How Do Body Work & A Custom Paint Job- The Beginner's Guide To Body & Paint Work: Part I

1/1One of the biggest boons to the home shop hobbyist when it comes to do-it-yourself paint work has been the introduction of Summit Racing's new Paint and Refinishing System. This line of high-quality automotive paints, primers, catalysts, and reducers is a home run. Not only is the stuff good, the prices are amazing--how's about around $300 for all the paint materials needed to paint an average size car grab ya? Heck, the same stuff from the local paint jobber is more than double that price!

Before my entry into the publishing world I spent a considerable amount of time working behind the counter of a major East Coast paint and body equipment jobber. Those 11 years of nearly constant education left me with a pretty good understanding of the basics of paint and bodywork (at least for one who doesn't actually do it for a living). And though the materials used have changed considerably since those days, the basic process has stayed the same. That said, for me the experience gained was priceless, mainly because I was able to use what I'd learned on my own hot rod projects over the years (saving me a boatload of hard-earned cash). Now that I'm in the process of building a couple of street rods (actually helping Candy with her King-T and trying to get mine handled at the same time), the boss thought this might be a good time to share some insights on homebrewed body and paint work.

Just keep in mind that there are about as many techniques or procedures for tackling these chores as there are people doing them, and though some will find a bit of my advice questionable, what you'll read here is a combination of what I've learned from others and things I've learned from personal experience. And if I'm able to inform, and more importantly, motivate even a small number of you to at least give the process a try, I'll consider this compilation a success!

First And ForemostProbably the most important fact that I'll express here is this: anybody can successfully prep and paint their street rod themselves. That's right! You can do it! I'm thoroughly convinced that even with little or no previous experience, any of you can undertake this daunting task and end up with a paint job you can be proud of. It might not happen on your first try, but I'm sure it can be done, because I've done it myself with nothing more than verbal and written instruction--no "formal" training at all. I just picked up a few tools, pulled the car into the garage, and started beating, sanding, and spraying. And believe me, most of you are probably more talented than I, so you've got no excuse not to at least give bodywork and paint a shot!

Now, I know there are some out there who are shaking their heads and saying, "What about tools and spray guns, and paint materials and such? That stuff's expensive!" Well, sure, some of it is, but there are plenty of inexpensive body and paint tools available to the beginner these days. Everything from entry-level spray guns to long-board and dual-action sanders are available from discount tool stores and catalog suppliers (like Summit Racing Equipment). And you know what? They're perfect for the novice, and as your confidence and skills grow, you can make the decision to upgrade your equipment at any time (though much of my body equipment arsenal still consists of budget-priced tools purchased years ago). And besides, what you spend on tools, you'll save in spades when compared to the $65-$100 per-hour labor charges and outrageous paint material costs you'd have to fork over to a professional shop! Plus, there's nothing like the feeling of satisfaction you'll get when asked who painted your car and you can honestly say--me!

While I'm on the subject of cost, I've recently been informed of (and a short time ago used with great satisfaction) Summit Racing's new Summit Racing Paint and Auto Refinishing System. The new product line includes top coat paints, activators, clear coats, primers, and paint reducers--all at a significantly more affordable price than comparable brands. When I say significantly, I mean it. With the Summit system one can get all the materials needed for a complete paint job for right around $300.00--compared to about $900.00 to $1,500.00--literally hundreds of dollars less than comparable materials purchased at the local paint and body equipment jobber--and from personal experience, it's high-quality stuff! As a matter of fact, we'll do a price comparison in Part 2 of this story, and I'll prove it with paint material receipts that'll floor you!

Now That I've Got Your AttentionA place to work and spray is another consideration that I'm sure you're thinking of about now, as well. Most folks have at least a one-car garage these days, and that's fine. I spent many a winter with one side of my car pushed up against the wall while I worked on the other side. And just between you and me, I've painted quite a few in a plain old home garage (or out in the driveway) over the years, as well (though that was well before the days of environmental correctness and nosy neighbors).

Before we get too far, though, I feel it's my duty to inform you that along the way, you're more than likely to make a mess or two or three (this is where the extremely affordable Summit Paint System really helps protect the wallet), but don't let it get you down. Lord knows I've made more than my share of screw-ups. But I've learned valuable lessons from each and every one of `em, and if you're willing to "learn by doing," you really will be pleasantly surprised at the results!

Tools, Equipment, And MaterialsUsing the correct tool for the job is half the battle. There are some specialized pieces that are pretty much necessities (like a DA sander, hammers and dollies, and spray equipment), but as I've said earlier, between Summit Racing Equipment and others, you can get what you need to start for a surprisingly small amount of cash. So let's start out by putting together a little list of what you'll need to get started:

The first thing (and something that I've almost taken for granted) is an air compressor. Now, if you don't already have one, this may well be one of the largest investments that you'll have to make, but it'll become (by far) one of your most prized workshop possessions (along with a MIG welder, that is). Compressors can be had for anywhere from $300-$2,000, depending on size and quality. My personal compressor is a 6.5hp, 60-gal, 10.2cfm-@-90-psi, 220-volt Campbell Hausfeld unit (from Summit Racing, of course). This baby is an extreme-duty compressor (meaning it's rated for constant use) that's been way more than adequate for my needs and, as a bonus, it retailed for under $600.00--a great price for a good reliable compressor!

At this point it's important that whatever compressor you have, or choose to purchase, make sure the compressor produces enough air volume. That's volume, mind you--not pressure! Most air-powered body tools (grinders and spray guns especially) will use about 8-9 cfm (cubic feet per minute), so make sure the compressor you're considering produces at least 9 cfm. If you don't, you'll be spending a lot of time waiting for your compressor to catch up, as the tools will use more air volume than the compressor can produce! Another thing to consider is voltage. Compressors that operate on 110 volts work fine, but they burn a ton of electricity! A 220/240-volt unit ends up being a heck of a lot cheaper to run, and that's really something to consider in this day of high energy costs.